Lithuania's Utena District Court Issues Verdict in High-Profile Defamation Case

Strategic Insights -

In a widely publicized case, the Utena District Court in Lithuania issued a verdict against KT, accused of spreading false information on social media about several individuals, including a judge, representatives of a child rights protection service, and others. The court found KT guilty of defamation under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, ruling that she intentionally spread untrue information that could humiliate or undermine trust in these individuals. Additionally, the court found KT guilty under Article 232 of the Criminal Code for publicly insulting and humiliating a judge, finding that her actions were motivated by a desire to disparage the judge's position.

Key Takeaways:

  • KT was found guilty of defamation under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, accused of spreading false information about several individuals on social media.
  • The court ruled that KT intentionally spread untrue information that could humiliate or undermine trust in these individuals, including a judge, representatives of a child rights protection service, and others.
  • KT was also found guilty under Article 232 of the Criminal Code for publicly insulting and humiliating a judge, with the court finding that her actions were motivated by a desire to disparage the judge's position.
  • KT denied the charges during both the investigation and trial, claiming she did not spread lies or slander, but rather spoke the truth in an attempt to defend herself.
  • KT was acquitted of abuse of parental rights and duties under Article 163 of the Criminal Code, as the court found no evidence of physical or mental cruelty towards her child.
  • The case highlights the increasing importance of online accountability in Lithuania, with the court's verdict serving as a deterrent to those who spread false information online.

Statistics:

  • 5 individuals were targeted by KT's online posts, including a judge, representatives of a child rights protection service, and others.
  • KT used social media platforms Facebook and TikTok to spread the defamatory information.
  • The court found 10 instances of defamatory posts made by KT between October 2023 and an undetermined date during the investigation.
  • KT's actions resulted in the minor child being taken from her and handed over to guardians.
  • KT faces a fine or up to 2 years in prison under Article 232 of the Criminal Code for publicly insulting a judge.

Sources:

  • Utena District Court (Lithuania) - "The Utena District Court issued a verdict in a criminal case in which the Criminal Court charged the accused under Article 154, Part 1, Article 163 and Article 232 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania..."

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